Go to nashuacc.edu/programs for even more details about this and other NCC programs and certificates.
Day Program
The Associate of Science in Biological Sciences offers students the foundational coursework equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in biology. This program prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and for future careers in medicine, healthcare, biotechnology, research, biomedical engineering, and science education.
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of biological concepts, scientific language, and methodology through an inquiry-based learning model. Emphasis is placed on hands-on laboratory experience, critical thinking, and real-world application of scientific principles. Core topics include cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, molecular biology, and organismal diversity.
The program includes opportunities for project-based learning within courses as well as participation in external research through internships and grant-funded experiences. Students are encouraged to have strong reading and mathematics skills and should be prepared to commit additional time to laboratory work and independent study.
All core courses are aligned with transfer standards and are accepted by most colleges and universities. However, some electives may only be transferred as Discovery Science credit. Students are encouraged to work closely with the Program Coordinator during their time at NCC and to identify their intended transfer institution and degree path early, to ensure effective academic planning and advising.
Upon the completion of the Associate of Science degree in Biological Sciences, graduates will be able to:
- Apply core biological principles—such as cell theory, evolution, and genetics—to analyze the structural, functional, or genetic characteristics of organisms for classification within major biological kingdoms and taxa.
- Analyze how key biological processes, including cellular respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis, or meiosis, contribute to the maintenance and reproduction of living systems.
- Apply biological principles to analyze and interpret experimental data, identifying patterns and evaluating potential sources of error.
- Execute standard laboratory techniques to investigate biological questions using appropriate equipment and procedures.
- Design a biological investigation by developing a testable hypothesis, identifying relevant variables, and selecting appropriate data collection methods.
- Integrate concepts from multiple levels of biological organization to explain interactions within and between living systems.
- Evaluate the credibility, scientific foundation, and ethical or societal implications of biological information and biotechnological innovations presented in scholarly and public contexts.
- Produce accurate and well-organized scientific documentation and presentations—including lab reports, data summaries, and oral or visual reports—using appropriate biological terminology and formatting conventions.
In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in the general education outcomes.
All students in this degree area are required to take BIOL107N or BIOL105N, CHEM130N and 131N, BIOL215N and a class that can fulfill BIOL270N requirements. Note BIOL105N may not transfer as Biology equivalent everywhere or qualify students for intern opportunities.
*Students who do not test directly into MATH120N Pre-Calculus may substitute MATH110N Algebra II/Trig for NCC graduation requirements. Note that MATH120N is a pre/co-requisite of CHEM131N General Chemistry II and MATH106N Statistics is a pre/co-requisite of BIOL230N Genetics.
Students with placement test scores greater than MATH120N are encouraged to take MATH210N Calculus I to fulfill MATH requirements for the degree.
Students must consult an advisor at NCC and chosen transfer college(s) for guidance about course selection. Careful planning is required to ensure that mathematics and science courses will fulfill bachelor degree requirements. Students are encouraged to use open electives to best suit their transfer needs.